Reversible kinetics of sodium-ion batteries: strategies for countering irreversible Na⁺ loss.

Authors

Gobinda Giri, Saikat Dutta

Published in

Materials horizons. Sep 03, 2026. Epub Sep 03, 2026.

Abstract

The reversible intercalation of Na⁺ is an intrinsic limitation for simultaneous fast ion transport, structural resilience, and high electrochemical reversibility of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). This highlights the unresolved barrier to enabling the practical deployment of high-performance SIBs with higher energy density. During the subsequent charging process, the reversible conversion of anodes is limited. This remains largely responsible for a decline in the performance of SIBs. Therefore, enhanced Na⁺ storage capacity of conventional conversion-type anodes, such as MoS₂, is imperative while maintaining structural stability simultaneously. Higher initial reversible capacity and greater capacity retention over longer cycles require the rational design of anodes for high-energy density SIBs. This article highlights unsolved barriers to reversibility and, more critically, we identify laboratory-scale results that fail to translate into practical improvements. We rather focus on deep analysis of the inherent trade-offs at the kinetic and thermodynamic levels. This includes mitigation of interlayer confinement and enabling of all-slope-dominated Na⁺ storage with rapid reversibility by tuning sites and pores. Therefore, while describing reversible Na⁺ batteries, we address (1) critical flaws in current approaches and (2) factors responsible for failure to transform into translational improvements and provide (1) deep insight into the community needs, (2) a strong central argument defended with evidence, and (3) a unique perspective on reversibility. This article focuses on the electrochemical reversibility of the de/sodiation by conversion and alloying dual mechanisms for the anode-driven reversibility with irreversible intermediate residues. However, drawbacks of conversion electrodes with conventional intercalation chemistry include kinetic limitations and large volume expansion. We have identified factors that are responsible for the limited reversibility of SIBs, along with strong future perspectives.

PMID:
42689434
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Sep 2026.

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